Corrections chief gets OK from Senate panel

An Illinois Senate panel has approved Gov. Pat Quinn's choice to oversee the state Department of Corrections despite objections from Republicans.

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By The Associated Press

The State Journal-Register

By The Associated Press

Posted Mar. 18, 2014 at 8:53 AM

By The Associated Press
Posted Mar. 18, 2014 at 8:53 AM

An Illinois Senate panel has approved Gov. Pat Quinn's choice to oversee the state Department of Corrections despite objections from Republicans.

Monday's 7-2 vote on Corrections Director S.A. "Tony" Godinez came during a hearing in Chicago.

The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers reports the approval came after Senate President John Cullerton appointed temporary members to the 12-person panel because at least four central and southern Illinois lawmakers didn't attend.

The Senate Executive Appointments Committee meeting was held a day before Tuesday's election.

State Sen. Tim Bivins from Dixon is the panel's ranking Republican. He says Monday's vote creates an unusual appearance.

Godinez has been criticized for hiring an alleged ex-gang member as an adviser before the man was fired.